Viktor Damjanovic

Nationality: Montenegro Education: London School of Economics (UK); University of Amsterdam (the Netherlands); Willamette University (USA); University of Montenegro (Montenegro)Field of Study: Global Politics, International and European Relations, Business, EconomicsLanguages: English, French (Intermediate)“The NETI programme has provided me with an opportunity to contribute to the noble causes of UNICEF’s mission. Working at UNICEF has been challenging, rewarding, and enjoyable”Before applying to the New and Emerging Talent Initiative (NETI) programme at UNICEF, I worked for various international organizations, including UNODC and UNHCR. After being selected for the NETI 3rd Cohort, I was assigned to Governance, UN and Multilateral Affairs Division (GMA) in New York HQ as a Reports Specialist.

During the orientation period of the NETI Programme, I had a valuable opportunity to learn about different organizational divisions directly from senior colleagues. UNICEF helped me to further develop my leadership skills through private sessions with a certified coach. Finally, I got to know other “NETIs” – a group of talented young professionals, who are not only very smart, but also fun to hang out with.

At the moment, I am involved in a few projects on development effectiveness and knowledge management. They include regular collaboration with partners from other UN agencies, international NGOs and academic community. Strategic conceptualization and implementation of our projects is the most rewarding part of my work.

Through the NETI programme, UNICEF offers a lot and asks for a lot in return. We were expected to adjust to the organizational culture and perform excellently within a relatively short period. We had to provide regular updates on our progress, and frankly discuss potential challenges. Finally, there were inevitable logistical and social hurdles related to settling in and establishing ourselves in new city, country and culture. However it was all worth it!

My advice to aspiring UNICEF applicants – The NETI recruitment process is highly competitive and relatively long. As you move through the selection stages, it will test your patience as well as your managerial and even mathematical skills. But above all, this process is fair. If you are passionate about international development and committed to UNICEF’s mission of promoting children’s rights, you should give it a try.